UGC Warns Students Against Unrecognized EdTech-Foreign University Tie-ups

The circular emphasized that Indian HEIs cannot offer programmes in collaboration with foreign institutions unless such arrangements are duly approved by the UGC under the applicable regulations.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh advisory warning students and higher education institutions against enrolling in or promoting degree and diploma programmes offered through unrecognised collaborations between EdTech companies and foreign universities. The regulator made it clear that such tie-ups, if not approved by UGC, are not valid and any qualification earned through them will not be recognised in India.

In an official circular, UGC stated that it had observed certain foreign-based education providers and EdTech platforms aggressively marketing online degree and diploma programmes in collaboration with Indian higher educational institutions (HEIs). These arrangements, UGC clarified, are being carried out without its approval and are in violation of the UGC (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2022, and the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

The circular emphasized that Indian HEIs cannot offer programmes in collaboration with foreign institutions unless such arrangements are duly approved by the UGC under the applicable regulations. UGC also noted that some EdTech companies have been promoting online courses on behalf of foreign universities without any regulatory clearance. The Commission asserted that it does not recognise such franchise agreements or partnerships, and any degree or diploma obtained under such arrangements shall be deemed invalid.

UGC has cautioned students and parents to thoroughly verify the recognition status of foreign universities and EdTech collaborations before enrolling. "Students and public at large are hereby advised not to be misled by advertisements or promotional content issued by such EdTech companies or unrecognised foreign HEIs," the circular said. It added that UGC will take appropriate legal action against institutions and platforms that continue to violate its directives.

In a parallel social media post, UGC reiterated its warning, stating: “UGC warns students and institutions against collaborations with foreign-based education providers and EdTech companies that are not recognised by the Commission.” The post is part of the regulator's broader attempt to safeguard students from misleading educational offerings and to uphold the credibility of Indian higher education.

This is not the first time UGC has flagged concerns over the growing number of unregulated online and cross-border education tie-ups. Earlier circulars and press releases have warned of similar risks, especially as EdTech players have ramped up their marketing of international degree programmes in the aftermath of the pandemic-induced online learning boom.